Banjul, August 1: Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has on Wednesday hailed the Indian community in Banjul, during his official visit to the Gambia, for their hard work and assimilating themselves with the local Gambian diaspora, thereby creating a strong reputation for the nation in the African country.
Addressing the Indian community in Banjul, Kovind said, “Here in The Gambia, I am told that the Indian community has integrated well into the Gambian society and established a good reputation for itself and for India. I congratulate you on being successful representatives of India.”
Paying value to the vital roles played by Indians for the economic development of the Gambia, Kovind stated: “As teachers and educators, you have given a helping hand to the nation-building in this country. As entrepreneurs, you have created economic opportunity and impacted skills to local people. As traders, you have helped foster commerce and industry between the two countries.”
The president said India has emerged as a vital driver of growth of the African nations, adding, as many as 18 newly-built embassies will be unveiled across the nation, according to ANI news reports.
Kovind has kicked-off his seven-day official visit to three West African nations of The Gambia, Guinea, and Benin. After a while on Thursday, he is slated to inaugurate the exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi in the Gambia at the Ebunjan Theater to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi.